Andhra Pradesh: Renowned journalist Turlapaty Kutumba Rao passes away in Vijayawada

Renowned journalist and Padma Shri awardee Turlapaty Kutumba Rao passed away on Monday in Vijayawada. Family members rushed him to the hospital at around 10 pm on Sunday and breathed his last while receiving treatment in this order. Journalists were plunged into mourning as soon as they heard the news of Turlapaty's death. Turlapati Kutumba Rao of Vijayawada, Krishna district was born on August 10, 1933, to Sundara Ramanuja Rao and Seshamamba. He entered the journalism profession in 1946 at the age of 14 and served as secretary to first Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Tanguturi Prakasam. He has been in journalism for seven decades and has provided analysis on a number of key topics. Turlapaty Kutumba Rao has a reputation as a journalist, writer, commentator, speaker of the House and speaker of translation.

He has worked with 18 CMs, starting with Andhra Pradesh's first Chief Minister Tanguturi Prakasam to Nara Chandrababu Naidu. Also, Turlapati was the first Telugu journalist to be nominated for the prestigious Padma Shri award. In recognition of his services as a journalist, writer and orator, the Central Government honoured him with the prestigious Padma Shri in 2002. Turlapaty first worked as a sub-editor of Vahini magazine, which was started by Acharya NG Ranga in 1951. He later worked as an editor for Pratibha magazine. Tanguturi Prakasham Panthulu, who came to know about his talent had called him to Chennai and appointed as an assistant editor in Prajapatrika. While working for the magazine, he also served as secretary to the Tanguturi Prakasam.

Turlapaty has reached many heights in his journalism career interviewing great personalities like Nehru, Ambedkar and Rajaji. Also, when Mahatma Gandhi came to Vijayawada at the age of 14, he took his autograph. He researched the lives of freedom fighters, politicians and nationalists and wrote their biographies. Turlapaty is credited with addressing important conferences held not only in our state but also abroad.